Suarez fined for biting Ivanovic

Liverpool's Luis Suarez (right) fights for the ball against Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, on Sunday. Suarez appeared to have bitten the arm of Ivanovic at the end of a tussle during the second half of the game. Photo: AP

Luis Suarez has been fined by Liverpool for biting opponent Branislav Ivanovic, and has been offered anger management counseling by England’s footballers’ union.

The Uruguay striker dug his teeth into Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic’s arm during Sunday’s Premier League match before netting a last-gasp equalizer to clinch a 2-2 draw.

Suarez announced on Monday on Twitter account that “for my unacceptable behavior yesterday the club has fined me.”

Suarez, who could still face a long ban from the Football Association, was suspended for seven matches in 2010 while playing for Ajax after biting a player.

Now the Professional Footballers’ Association says Suarez will be offered the services of anger management counselors.

The biting incident prompted the club’s managing director Ian Ayre to cancel a four-day trip to the Far East and Australia, where he was supposed to be promoting Liverpool’s summer tour.

“I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea,” Suarez said in a statement.

“I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanovic to speak to him personally. I also apologise to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for letting them down.”

Later, Suarez tweeted that he had been in touch. “I’ve just spoken to Ivanovic on the phone and I could apologise directly to him,” he said. “Thanks for accepting.”

Ayre left Anfield before the incident to catch a flight to Asia but turned back from the airport. “Luis has made an unreserved apology for his actions today,” he said in a statement.

“His behaviour is not befitting of any player wearing a Liverpool shirt and Luis is aware that he has let himself and everyone associated with the club down. We will deal with the matter internally and await any action from the FA.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers, who said he had not seen the incident, warned that poor behaviour could cost a player his place in the club. “It doesn’t matter who, players are always replaceable no matter how good they think they are,” he said.

“If you ever lose a player that you think you cannot replace, the next one still comes along. The standards at this football club have been met for many years and that’s why it is the worldwide institution that it is.”

On his return to Surrey, Ivanovic was spoken to by Surrey police who wanted to see if he was injured and whether he wanted to make a formal complaint. He is understood to have decided not to press any charges.

It is clear, that the English Premier League is extremely important, as much as the Italian Serie A, because Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are such serious clubs, with Manchester United around. The other teams are equally passionate, but perhaps lack the funds, but that might be said for the other four clubs also. What is intriguing is, how does a Liverpool resident play for Manchester United, if Suarez plays for Arsenal? It is pretty clear, that a Manchester City fan, can live next door to a Manchester United fan, without feeling strangely interested.